JoshuaBrand

I'm all for more Westerns on television. It's a genre that lends itself well to the ongoing storytelling format that a regular TV series allows. So when I saw an article that FX was gearing up Reconstruction, a series set in the post-Civil War era of American history, I was pretty excited.

Creators Joshua Brand and Peter Horton thought it would make a good allegory for today's world, dealing with the economic crisis and even the ongoing war. "How does one heal after (a war)? How do you find your humanity again?" asked Horton. These are things the show hopes to deal with.

It centers around Jason, an East Coaster who comes back from the war changed. He finds refuge in a small town in Missour, where the saga will unfold. All of this was great, until I got to one line in the Reuters story: "Brand, the co-creator of St. Elsewhere, is writing the script for the project, which will include magical elements, with thirtysomething actor-turned-director Horton attached to take the helm." Magical elements? What?! Why?

FX is going back in time -- way back -- to the post-Civil War era.

The Hollywood Reporter confirms that the cable network is developing 'Reconstruction,' a period-drama set in Missouri after the Civil War. Industry veteran Joshua Brand ('St. Elsewhere'; 'Northern Exposure') will write the project, with Emmy nominee Peter Horton ('thirtysomething'; 'Grey's Anatomy') on tap to direct.

Leading the show will be Jason, a character who "seeks refuge" in Missouri after serving in the Civil War. No word yet on who will play the role.

It is being reported that the idea sparked from conversations between Brand and Horton about the current economic and political climates. The allegory of the Western, they decided, was the perfect backdrop to tell that story.